US4502092A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Integral lightning protection system for composite aircraft skins
Assignee: Boeing Co
•
Filing: 1983-02-24
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Granted: 1985-02-26
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Expires: 2003-02-24
Abstract
Abstract Method and structures for enhancing the conductivity of graphite composite materials for lightning protection and prevention of attachment of lightning to fasteners. The integral lightning protection for composite aircraft skins, including skins with fasteners penetrating into fuel tanks, utilizes metal coated or plated graphite fibers which are woven into the outer layer of tape or fabric of the structural component requiring protection.
Inventors
- 👤 Engbert T. Bannink, Jr.
- 👤 Glenn O. Olson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 15:58
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16B; F16B33/00; F16B33/004; B; B64; B64D; B64D45/00; B64D45/02; H; H05; H05F; H05F3/00; H05F3/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
44 words
In combination: an integral lightning protection system for an aircraft graphite epoxy structure having a fastener inserted therein; an electrically conductive substructural member for supporting said aircraft graphite epoxy structure; and, electrically non-conductive means coupled between said fastener and said electrically conductive substructural member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
44 words
In combination: an integral lightning protection system for an aircraft graphite epoxy structure having a fastener inserted therein; an electrically conductive substructural member for supporting said aircraft graphite epoxy structure; and, electrically non-conductive means coupled between said fastener and said electrically conductive substructural member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The invention according to claim 1 wherein said electrically non-conductive means comprises an electrically non-conductive structural member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
The invention according to claim 1 wherein said electrically non-conductive means comprises a conductive structural member and an electrically non-conductive barrier disposed intermediate said conductive structural member and said electrically conductive substructural member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The invention according to claim 1 wherein said aircraft graphite epoxy structure includes a metal and graphite epoxy outer ply.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The invention according to claim 4 wherein said metal and graphite epoxy outer ply has a dielectric outer surface coating.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The invention according to claim 5 wherein said dielectric outer surface coating has a primer and paint coating.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-02-26 | 1988-08-27 | 1989-02-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-02-26 | 1992-08-27 | 1993-02-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-02-26 | 1996-08-27 | 1997-02-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |